Sommers to step down as director of FISH Ministries

Kami Sommers has been director of the emergency food and assistantce program since 2009.

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By CantonRep.com staff report

The Repository

By CantonRep.com staff report

Posted Nov. 15, 2013 at 3:25 PM

By CantonRep.com staff report
Posted Nov. 15, 2013 at 3:25 PM

LAKE TWP.

Kami Sommers, director of FISH Ministries, will step down in 2014, according to a press release from St. Jacob's Lutheran Church.

An area emergency food and assistance program, FISH, or "Faithfully I Serve Him," provides groceries and financial support for utilities and housing payments to those in need.

The organization, which gets support from area churches, schools and businesses, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012. Sommers has served as director since 2009. During her tenure, the organization:

• Moved its food distribution from Maple Grove Mennonite Church to larger quarters at the former Hartville Hardware, now known as Gentlebrook Center.

• Replaced its Fall "Crop Walk" fund-raiser with the annual FISH 5K Run/Walk event in cooperation with Lake Local Schools.

• Formed a partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, making it possible to purchase quantities of food at greatly reduced cost.

• Expanded food distribution eligibility to residents of nearby communities outside Lake Township that lack a food pantry. It also greatly increased the number of food parcels distributed to clients.

The organization's board, made of representatives of Lake Township clergy, is seeking Sommers' replacement. The director's job comes with a modest stipend.